I know that some actors and directors like to have intensity on set. I don't, particularly. Certainly, if they want that, that's fine, but I can't work like that.

What is acting but lying and what is good lying but convincing lying?

Use your weaknesses; aspire to the strength.

Acting is an everlasting search for truth.

Shakespeare - The nearest thing in incarnation to the eye of God.

The art of persuasion. The actor persuades himself, first, and through himself, the audience.

Have a very good reason for everything you do.

The humility to prepare and the self-confidence to bring it off.

I am young! Being creative and keeping your brain occupied is very sensible because if you don't you die, slowly.

I visualized a lot of things happening to me, because I was a lonely kid because I didn't understand anything about school.

I have no interest in Shakespeare and all that British nonsense... I just wanted to get famous and all the rest is hogwash.

I don't want to be anything else other than what I am. I can say that with passion. No regrets.

People forget that Mozart wrote for commissions. There's a thing in psychology where they think if it's popular, it can't be serious.

I was bullied as a boy - lots of kids are, but hopefully most of us get on with our lives and grow up.

I think doubt is a very healthy way to live.

I'm very much a loner. I don't like long relationships with people and I always keep people at a distance.

I worked with Steven Spielberg on Amistad... he seemed so very secure in himself that he let me do things.

I worked with Lawrence Olivier some years ago. He was a great mentor.

The movie industry is full of crazy people who think that they are gods.